- Physicians
- Locations
- Conditions
- Conditions Overview
- Abdominal Bloating
- Anorectal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Bloody Stool
- Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity
- Colorectal Cancers
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Diverticulitis
- Esophageal Cancer
- Fatty Liver Disease
- Fecal Incontinence
- Gallstones
- GERD/Acid Reflux
- Hemorrhoids
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Malabsorption
- Polyps
- Rectal Bleeding
- Ulcers
- Procedures
- Procedures Prep
- Procedure Prep Overview
- Colonoscopy
- Alternative Colonoscopy Preparation
- Abdominal Ultrasound Preparation
- Anal Manometry
- Breath Tests
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Endoscopic Ultrasound
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- H. Pylori Breath Test
- Liver Biopsy Preparation
- Therapeutic ERC
- Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
- Instrucciones en Español
- Patient Center
- Blog
- Telehealth
How to Prepare for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in NJ
If your gastroenterologist at Digestive Healthcare Center determines that flexible sigmoidoscopy is the right next step for you, we will ensure that you are fully informed about the procedure and how to prepare. Similar to a colonoscopy, proper preparation for a flexible sigmoidoscopy is crucial because it ensures that your gastroenterologist at DHC can properly visualize the area and identify any polyps that need to be removed.
The Day Before Your Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy requires the lower part of the colon to be fully cleaned out so it can be properly visualized by your gastroenterologist at DHC. Steps to accomplish this are generally taken the day of the procedure rather than the day before. However, your doctor may give you special instructions. Most medications can be continued as usual before a flexible sigmoidoscopy, but be sure to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking.
The Day of Your Scheduled Flexible Sigmoidoscopy – Preparation Instructions for Procedures Without Anesthesia
There are no dietary restrictions prior to this test – preparation requires the use of enemas. For the procedure to be a success and for your physician to properly visualize the lower part of the colon, you will need to follow the steps below. Please call the office if you have any questions.
- Purchase 2 Fleet enemas from the drug store.
- Approximately 2 hours before your appointment, you will give yourself the first enema. Try to hold the liquid in for 15 minutes. If this is not possible, at least 5 minutes is acceptable.
- Follow the same instructions for the second enema, an hour later.
In some cases, flexible sigmoidoscopy is performed with anesthesia. This will require slightly different preparation instructions. Click here to see preparation instructions for flexible sigmoidoscopy performed with anesthesia at DHC’s surgical center.
After Your Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Procedure
After your flexible sigmoidoscopy, your doctor will discuss your results with you, including whether or not any polyps were removed. If polyps were found, a complete colonoscopy may be recommended. If you did not receive anesthesia, you will be able to drive yourself home after your appointment. Your physician will give you detailed instructions on how to take care of yourself following your procedure. You can return to your regular activities and diet right away, but you may experience mild cramping or bloating for around an hour after your flexible sigmoidoscopy. If polyps were removed, it is not uncommon to have some minor rectal bleeding after the procedure.
Recent Blogs
Learn more about all things digestive health and wellness by checking out our recent gastroenterology blogs.
Colonoscopy Preparation Without Magnesium Citrate At Digestive Healthcare Center, we continuously update our patients on the latest news regarding preparation for colonoscopy. Under the Vi-Jon LLC Magnesium Citrate Saline Oral Solution recall, over 50 laxatives sold under various brand names at major pharmacies have been recalled. The recall affects products distributed in the United States, […]
Thursday, April 28, the staff and providers at Digestive Healthcare Center celebrated Bring Your Child to Work Day. It was a memorable day filled with activities and job tours. Never underestimate the impact we can make on these little lives with activities such as these. It was an exciting day indeed! Check out some of […]
At Digestive Healthcare Center, we want to keep our patients informed about a wide variety of gastrointestinal health conditions that can impact their daily comfort. One such condition is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), with April designated as Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month. IBS is a very common condition in the United States, and with over […]
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy at Digestive Healthcare Center
Our physicians at Digestive Healthcare Center perform flexible sigmoidoscopy at all three of our office locations in New Jersey. We will make sure you understand how to prepare for the test so you feel as comfortable as possible before your appointment. We are proud to help patients live healthier lives by promoting positive digestive health – please contact us today to learn more and to schedule an appointment at the office nearest you.
